Gov. Jerry Brown approved a $7 million bill for funding in order to protect several South Bay cities from flooding.
Under Senate Bill 881 originally created by Sen. Bob Wieckowski, the measure also calls for the restoration of tidal marsh and local habitats.
Known as the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project, the Santa Clara Valley Water District had an effort in presenting the idea to the state senate along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who will assist with construction.
“I am very pleased with the idea that we can work together and all parties are looking for a common solution.” Wieckowski said.
The bill provides assistance to communities in San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View and Sunnyvale. The first installment of the project will begin with a 4-mile levee and restoration of former salt construction ponds into tidal marsh.
Water District Board Chair Richard Santos responded to approval from Gov. Brown in a statement that said “With the enactment of SB 881, the water district will be able to access state funding to protect our communities from the devastating effects of tidal and storm flooding resulting from sea level rise.”
